Good Intentions

Friday, December 11, 2009


Oh.... I had the best of intentions. I planned on putting up all kinds of things you could make before Christmas.....but it's just not going to happen. I guess if you want to make 20 new ornaments, 3 quilts, and 8 new cookie recipes while shopping, decorating the house, writing cards and notes and hosting parties, you will just have to go to another blog. It won't be happening here.

Barb and I have decided that Blackbird Designs will be doing the "12 days of guilt-free relaxing." If you feel like kicking back a bit ....we are your gals.


My idea: Make a cup of hot tea and get out several of your favorite magazines that have fabulous things to do and make for Christmas. Look at them and enjoy the pictures. The magazine above is from Saveur. This article talks about how in Sweden everyone enjoys cooking in the winter. They all pitch in and help each other. The candy on the left looks fabulous.....Now say with me....."Isn't that nice?" and turn the page. Spend about 30 minutes looking at the pictures and reading the articles. Promise me you won't feel like you have to make one thing!

Barb's idea: Now go to the phone and call a restaurant that has curb-side delivery. Wear your house slippers and drive over and pick up dinner. Get out your china and serve everyone up a meal. Smile and take time to play some games with the kids tonight.

Hanukkah begins tonight. Wishing you eight nights of light, peace and time to enjoy your families.

Check back tomorrow for more "crafty" ideas.

Hugs to you all!

Alma

33 comments

  1. Love it!!! I'll be back for more inspiration tomorrow. Love your blog. -Beth

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes...this is the attitude for me...because honestly...I'm just not going to finish everything! Thanks for making my day a whole lot brighter...see you tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fabulous idea! I enjoy looking at the cookie recipes and photos in magazines, even knowing I will never summon the time nor energy to make them. Not that I need the calories anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh I am SO with you on this one!! Enjoy!
    Paulette

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am doing just what you said Alma. I have pulled out all my Christmas magazines and books and am sitting and enjoying them to the fullest.I am going to get my ornaments finished in time to mail to out-of-state family.. I say Oh Well... Next Christmas... I will buy and send them something... LOL
    I am going back to christmas magazines and books.. See ya'll

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a good idea! I'm usually ready- mentally and physically- for Christmas by February. I've learned to let go, enjoy everything that I can and be grateful.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Now this is the kind of inspiration that is needed! . . . To savor the season & not to get too caught up in it's bustle so much that we don't appreciate what wonderful things it offers. . . time to relax & breathe!
    Thanks!!
    xo, Bren

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a riot!!! Love it! Laughter is the BEST stress reliever! Keep 'em coming!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Agree fully with your idea. And what makes it even more special is that yesterday in the mail my kit for Wild Pomegranate came so I was thinking how much fun it would be to put away everything now and get going on it. I'll read a magazine or two first, though! Will stay tuned for tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  10. LOL... thanks for giving us all permission to just relax and enjoy the season.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I had many good intentions this year too, but I kind of fizzled out when December rolled around. I love your relaxing 12 Days of Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love your take on "crafty"...Merry Christmas to all!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I LOVE IT! JUST PERFECT! Now this is going to be fun.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You abd Barb inspire and create for "us" all year...take a break and enjoy yourselves. I had a friend tell me yesterday, "If we all believed in Santa and the Easter bunny we would smile and be happy all the time."...think she may have something there.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Very cute and right on! Thanks for keeping us sane!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have good intentions every year but have nothing to show for it! do I feel guilty ? Um nope! Will christmas come to a screeching halt if I haven't hand baked, hand carved my christmas presents?? um nope.. do I care that we have a cold christmas lunch?? um nope, its going to be 95F here so salads and cold meats area very much appreciated!

    thanks for validating my christmas!!! LOL

    Lissa
    Australia

    ReplyDelete
  17. Heehee! Alma...you are a woman after my own heart! Yee haw...a guilt-free Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am in total agreement. I have only been doing fun sewing things and none are for gifts. I have started you little baskets from When the Cold Wind Blows. Only 294 more to go but whose counting. I am really enjoying just sitting and stitching. I'll check back tomorrow. Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  19. This is the best Christmas themed post that I've read in years. Thanks for the reminder.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I get ideas and I look at magazines and then I am tired out;)

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  21. They say "the smallest of deeds is better than the greatest of intentions"... but I like your ideas better! Thanks for all of the inspiration you and Barb give to all of us,all year long.. relax, your job is done!( until after the New Year, then we want more)!! LOL! Happiest of Holidays! Debbie :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Now that's my kind of speed! lol! Oh yes, I can definitely handle both ideas. Especially the curbside to go. :D

    ReplyDelete
  23. Alma I love your attitude! Looking forward to Day 2.
    Pat in Texas
    http://quiltsandotherhobbies.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. You are for sure my kind of girls! Magazines are the way to go, they have done all the work and all we have to do is read and enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  25. You are my Sister! I perused about twenty old magazines and watched a Christmas movie with my family. No silly unwanted stress here.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thank you! 12 days of guilt free relaxing is just what I need rather than being made to feel guilty that I'm not achieving more!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great idea. Please include in one of the 12 daze of Christmas time to watch "It's a Wonderfull Life!" BEST. MOVIE. EVER!!! I intend to snuggle up with my 7 and 5 year old grand daughters and watch with Popcorn of course!
    I add my thanks to for your taking time to share on this blog. A bright spot in a crazy world.
    Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours!
    Dede
    Kansas

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh I like your "crafty" ideas. This attitude will certainly make for a much more relaxed Holiday.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.